4 Players Barcelona should sign in January 

Barcelona needs to strengthen their squad depth to compete in all competitions till the very end of the season
Barcelona needs to strengthen their squad depth to compete in all competitions till the very end of the season

As the year is coming to an end, the preparations and plannings for the winter transfer window are on for all clubs across Europe. The winter transfer window will open in January and it's no secret that clubs will want to strengthen their squad and increase the depth of the squad with some new signings.

FC Barcelona board is busy planning their moves in the market as they look to cement their place at the top of La Liga. They are three points ahead of Atletico Madrid in the league and finished at the top of their group in the UEFA Champions League yet Barcelona are immensely concerned about their squad depth.

Starlets like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Arthuro Vidal and Rakitic are not getting any younger. Moreover, with Philippe Coutinho having trouble filling into the shoes of legendary Andres Iniesta, Barcelona will look to secure some targets to increase the depth of their squad.

Without further ado, let us look at four players who will fit well with Barcelona's style of play and have a major impact on the pitch.


#1 Krzysztof Piątek

Genoa CFC v Atalanta BC - Serie A
Genoa CFC v Atalanta BC - Serie A

Possibly, the hottest prospect across all Europe at the moment, the young sharpshooter is already the leading goalscorer in the Seria A with 13 goals. The 23-year-old has scored more than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mauro Icardi and Ciro Immobile in the Italian league so far.

The young marksman has proven decisive for Genoa since his arrival at Italy. His exploits have helped Genoa avoid the relegation zone so far and prosper in the Coppa Italia. His brilliance in front of goal with such a low support system is extremely rare and it's no secret that top clubs of Europe are keeping their eye on him.

Barcelona are desperately looking for a goalscorer since Luis Suarez is not getting any younger and gradually losing his pace which is very normal. Suarez is still a fox in the box but he is also playing almost every game. Sooner or later, Barcelona will need the help of reinforcements.

On the other hand, Paco Alcacer has been on excellent form on loan at Dortmund so far, which leaves Barcelona with a space for a striker in the squad. It is crystal clear that going for a goal scoring talent like Piatek would reap benefits in the coming seasons.

#2 Adrien Rabiot

Red Star Belgrade v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Group C
Red Star Belgrade v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Group C

Blessed with immaculate touch and brilliant vision, Barcelona are looking to secure the services of Adrien Rabiot for some time now. It is no secret that they have expressed interest for the Paris Saint Germain midfielder. But Paris Saint Germain were reluctant to let go of such a huge talent from their squad.

However, an opportunity presented itself as Rabiot contract runs out in the summer of 2019 and he has refused to renew his contract at Paris. The sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain recently confirmed the news.

PSG sporting director Antero Henrique: "Adrien Rabiot has told me that he will not sign a contract extension & that he wishes to leave the club at the end of the season, so once his current deal finishes. The consequences are very clear: he is indefinitely benched."

As per the current situation, Rabiot will be a free agent in the following summer. But PSG would likely to offload him and cash in as a sum of profit will be better than letting the player go for free.

Moreover, Rabiot will be without minutes on the pitch for more than 6 months if he stays at PSG till summer. It will be beneficial for both PSG and Rabiot if Barcelona get their hands on the talented midfielder whom they were desperately seeking for in recent seasons.

#3 Frenkie De Jong

Netherlands v France - UEFA Nations League A
Netherlands v France - UEFA Nations League A

It is extremely rare for a midfielder of his age to show the maturity De Jong is currently showing with Ajax and Netherlands. At 21, Frenkie De Jong is already at the center of attraction with his club and national team and it is no secret that top clubs are already fighting for his signature.

According to Marca and others, Barcelona will like to sign both Rabiot and De Jong in the coming transfer windows. They will obviously face a tough challenge for De Jong as clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain are in the race but Barcelona will be doing their best to close the deal.

Although Arthur Melo has settled in quickly at Camp Nou, Barcelona board are concerned with Coutinho's form and Rafinha's injury and they are desperately looking for midfielders who can fill into the shoes of their all-time greats.

Moreover, Sergio Busquets and Rakitic have featured in almost all games and barely got any rest. The signing of top talents like De Jong will not only increase Barcelona's squad depth but also secure their future.

#4 Matthijs de Ligt

Ajax v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League Group E
Ajax v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League Group E

There are widespread debate on whether De Ligt is the most promising young player in the world at the moment. And why not? At 19 year old, the young Dutch has shown all the hallmarks of a complete defender and proved himself against toughest opponents.

Calm and composed, De Ligt's excellent technique with the ball is a bonus. There are almost no criticisms when it comes to his brilliant defensive abilities. He has proven that he can excel against the top forwards in the world although facing Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League will be another huge test.

Despite being top of the table at La Liga, Barcelona has conceded the most number of goals (19) and tied with Real Madrid when it comes to the worst defense among the top 5 teams. With an injured Umtiti, Gerard Pique and the Barcelona defense left ample of spaces for the rivals to exploit which is quite evident.

Securing a top talent like De Ligt will once again improve the squad depth of Barcelona and strengthen their rear guard for years to come.

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Edited by Abhinav Munshi